W203 Dashcam fuse options.

[Bertie Wooster]

Hello all!
I’m looking to install a new dash cam in an ‘05 W203 C220 cdi and wondered if anyone could suggest a suitable fuse for the hardwire kit.
I’m looking for something in the dash fuse box, and switched on ignition.
Thoughts chaps?

Best
Bertie

 

[AnthonyUK]

Not what you're asking but I used one in the boot. It sounds worse but is really easy to run the cable TBH and it was plenty long enough.

 

[curious]

Ran mine from the back of the cigar lighter with an inline fuse. Stuck the 12v - 5v transformer behind the interior light with double sided tape.

 

[Ken_R]

Pop the lamp out in the glove box and tap into the wiring there. It is already fused and 'ignition on' dependent.

 

[Steve@Avantgarde]

For the power you can either get an additional cigar lighter socket and wire it into the existing 12v socket in the ashtray and then plug it into that socket. That way is nice and neat. Or you can wire it into the OCP panel.

 

[Bertie Wooster]

Thanks for the help chaps.
Reading my OP, I’ve done my usual and made things as clear as mud.
What I was meaning was which fuse could I tap (using one of those fuse piggyback thingies) into on the fuse board behind the dash. I did this on my S320, and it’s been a very neat, useful solution.
I do like Steve’s idea of wiring straight into the 12v socket though. Interesting...
Thanks again!

Best
Bertie

 

[daibevan]

Pop the lamp out in the glove box and tap into the wiring there. It is already fused and 'ignition on' dependent.

Me too

 

[Srdl]

Thanks for the help chaps.
Reading my OP, I’ve done my usual and made things as clear as mud.
What I was meaning was which fuse could I tap (using one of those fuse piggyback thingies) into on the fuse board behind the dash. I did this on my S320, and it’s been a very neat, useful solution.
I do like Steve’s idea of wiring straight into the 12v socket though. Interesting...
Thanks again!

Best
Bertie

I think you were clear enough first time! I assume you don’t have a fuse chart so this link might help:
https://fusesdiagram.com/mercedes/fuses-and-relay-mercedes-w203.html

If this is correct, fuse 23 for the Cigarette Lighter would seem to do the job.

 

[Steve@Avantgarde]

Thanks for the help chaps.
Reading my OP, I’ve done my usual and made things as clear as mud.
What I was meaning was which fuse could I tap (using one of those fuse piggyback thingies) into on the fuse board behind the dash. I did this on my S320, and it’s been a very neat, useful solution.
I do like Steve’s idea of wiring straight into the 12v socket though. Interesting...
Thanks again!

Best
Bertie

That is the safest way as it has an insulated socket, its fused to the front SAM (fuse easy to change) but best of all its easy to tap into and neat and tidy. Not only that its the easiest thing to do and Im all about the path of least resistance!!

A cigar socket will set you back £3 from ECP.

 

[Ken_R]

I used a 'floating' Cigar Socket which sits neatly in the void above the Glove Box and below the Dash. I got mine from ECP. I then pulled the rubber off the door trim and ran the cable behind the A pillar trim.

It was a bit of a 'fiddle' to join the wires together using 'choc blocks' and if I was ever to do it again, I would use Wagos.

My Dash Cam is slightly different in that I use the K1S with both front and rear cameras with separate recording and GPS modules, which sit nicely in the top level of the Glove Box.

Just remember to get Polarities correct. Brown is Earth.